wonder at the secrets

Each of us visits this Earth involuntarily, and without an invitation. For me, it is enough to wonder at the secrets.
--Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born American Physicist

I've received a lot of feedback about this little known waterfall in Rock Creek Park outside of Erwin, TN. So maybe it's not so 'unknown' after all! Dick's Creek Falls is not the easiest to get to -- if you visit it, you'll find out how it's possible that something could be "uphill both ways." Although it's listed as Dick Creek Falls, I've been told that its more proper listing would be Dick's Creek Falls. And what's really interesting to me is the news that this is not the real Dick's Creek Falls at all -- this is Lower Dick's Creek Falls. The 'real' falls is a half mile or so upstream. I've included a photo sent into me by my Trekkie friend Cheryl (click thumbnail to enlarge). But try as I might today, I could not find the upper falls. It's pretty thick brush in those parts. So if anyone has specific, detailed directions to the upper falls, I'd greatly appreciate the help.

For directions from Rock Creek Park to the lower falls that you see above, click here.

Isn't there an easier way?!? I've also been asked if it would be easier to venture to the falls via Hwy 107 outside of Unicoi. I've done that, so I can say definitively, "No, it's not." If anyone were crazy enough to not heed my advice... you'd start at the North Indian Creek Campground entrance, where a forest service road crosses the creek (you'd actually drive through the creek). With all the downed trees, bogs, high water, etc. you'd be better off parking at the campground (after getting permission from the owner). After taking off your shoes, rolling up your pants and crossing the creek, you walk up the road which in reality is another creek bed that feeds into North Indian Creek. And just when you think you're in the clear, you realize that this area is a complete labyrinth of poorly maintained forest service roads going off in every direction -- with many very large, deep mud puddles/bogs that you have to somehow get around. With so many different unmarked roads, it would be very difficult to give accurate directions (which I won't attempt). A GPS is absolutely essential for such a hike. But honestly, I don't recommend this route. Even if you had a high clearance truck or jeep, the road is in terrible shape -- the number of downed trees, low branches and the inability to turn around means that this adventure is best for those on horseback (I'm pretty sure horseback riding is allowed in that section of the forest). But even then, I pity the horse. :) Trust me, your best bet to get to the falls is via Rock Creek Park. (If anyone knows of a better option, please let us know!)

Lower Dick's Creek Falls

With the help of my friend Jeff Miller, I finally made it to the elusive Dick's Creek Falls outside of Erwin, TN. This beautiful 22 foot waterfall is tucked away in a remote area that has logging roads and old trails every which way. Needless to say, it's hard to give directions. One of the reasons I never tried this one before is because I heard from experienced hikers what a difficult waterfall this one is to find. But for the adventuresome among us, this waterfall is well worth the effort -- especially in times of high water like we're experiencing now.

The best way to get to the falls is through Rock Creek Park. Once there, drive through the picnic area and park near the bath house just before you enter the campground. From here, walk towards the campground and you'll immediately see the trail head for the hiking/biking trail that follows Rock Creek. After a short ten minute walk, you'll reach a footbridge -- cross it and you will soon come to a fork with a sign pointing to Rattlesnake Ridge to the left, take this trail. You will follow it approximately 3/4 of a mile (there are a few small creek crossings and some steep parts) at which point you'll reach Dick's Creek Gap.

As you enter Dick's Creek Gap, you'll see that this clearing contains the intersection of two trails and two roads. One of the trails you just came from -- the other trail (on your right) leads to Rattlesnake Ridge and eventually makes its way to Unaka Mountain Overlook (a.k.a. Pleasant Garden). Straight ahead from where you emerged into the clearing you'll see two roads. I'm not exactly sure where the road to the left leads (it's marked 'Dark Hollow'), but the road to the right is the one you want to take to get to Dick's Creek Falls. Follow that road for about 3/4 of a mile where you'll cross over Dick's Creek. A little ways further (30 yards) you'll turn right on an unmarked logging road. From here it is 1/3 of a mile (approximately 600 paces) to an unmarked opening on your right (by my count, it's the second such 'opening' on the right). Now when I say opening, I mean there might be room for one car to pull half way in. If you listen closely, you'll hear the falls, and if you venture in a few steps, you should see the beginnings of a faint trail which will lead to the falls (approx. 30 yards). The waterfall is nestled (practically hidden) in a very cool little grotto. You can view the falls from above, or can carefully climb down to the base of the falls for a better view. It's a gorgeous little waterfall that's worth the trip -- Good luck with this one!

For more photos and information, click here, here, here and here.

I call this "Lower" Dick's Creek Falls because I've been told the real Dick's Creek Falls is on up the creek (description below in the comments, photo here). RATtreks has thorough descriptions of the hike to the upper falls here from Rock Creek Park side in Erwin, and here from Limestone Cove side outside of Unicoi.

Directions to Rock Creek Park: From I-26 take the Erwin Main Street Exit (#36), at the end of the ramp turn east towards town and you will immediately arrive at a stop light. Turn right onto Rt. 107 and drive 1/2 mile, turn left at stop light onto Rock Creek Road (Rt. 395) -- continue on for 3.1 miles, turn left at entrance to Rock Creek Park.

For my discussion of the Highway 107/Unicoi approach to the falls, click here.